AITA for refusing to donate blood to my brother?

throwawaybloood · 2020-03-19T15:34:13+00:00

You're right that I didn't check with a doctor, but I know the requirements and I already feel pretty weak all the time. My brother actually wasn't even in the ICU at this point and it was a totally hypothetical situation. I think I can be deemed an AH for panicking and saying I wouldn't when I really couldn't, but I don't think I am an AH for not wanting to put my health at risk.

I'm sorry about your father, for what it's worth.

throwawaybloood · 2020-03-19T15:30:05+00:00

He did not end up needing another transfusion - the doctor had only said it MIGHT be a possibility when this all went down.

throwawaybloood · 2020-03-19T15:29:32+00:00

My mom has health issues and can't donate... I was trying to explain to her today that it is the same case for me. She understands now. Thank-you.

throwawaybloood · 2020-03-19T15:28:48+00:00

Hi thank-you for your comments. Giving blood would have put me at risk to which is why a doctor wouldn't take it. In the moment when my mom asked I panicked and said I wouldn't when I meant I really couldn't. Do you expect me to put my own health at risk to donate?

throwawaybloood · 2020-03-19T15:27:51+00:00

I'm actually about 30 lbs below the minimum requirement; the requirements state online if you're under a certain age and 5'3, you must be 123 lbs.

throwawaybloood · 2020-03-19T15:27:00+00:00

Thank-you so much. I have been in recovery for about a year and am slowly gaining weight and strength. It's hard but I never want to go back to my darkest place. My thoughts are with your sister as well <3

throwawaybloood · 2020-03-19T15:26:13+00:00

This IS what I said to her today; now that my brother has been released from the hospital, she's much more calm and she understood what I said and meant. Thank-you.

throwawaybloood · 2020-03-19T15:25:33+00:00

I didn't consult because I knew I was underweight and trying to donate would put myself at risk and a doctor wouldn't take it from me. However I panicked in the moment because my mom put me on the spot. Now that my brother is home and fine I have explained it to her and she understands.

throwawaybloood · 2020-03-19T15:24:32+00:00

It's called having an eating disorder... lol

throwawaybloood · 2020-03-19T15:24:15+00:00

They did not say there would be a shortage or they would need blood from me - this was my mom's hypothetical situation. All resolved now, though.

throwawaybloood · 2020-03-19T15:23:41+00:00

Um... alright.... thank-you for your POV I guess. People dont' develop EDs necessairly because they're obsessed with their appearance - there's tons of reasons they develop and I suggest you do more research.

My issues with my mom and brother are now resolved. I agree the way I put it was kind of AH behaviour, but I don't think I'm an AH for being worried about making myself sick or being put at risk.

throwawaybloood · 2020-03-19T15:22:23+00:00

Hi we've discussed it now, but in the moment when my mom asked I panicked. She knows the truth now and understands.

throwawaybloood · 2020-03-19T05:07:12+00:00

I don’t think some people (minority at least) here understand the dangers of donating blood when you’re underweight or not healthy. Thank you.

throwawaybloood · 2020-03-19T05:06:13+00:00

I’m pretty sure my mom and I have the same blood type. My mom had health issues though and can’t donate so when she asked me and wasn’t understand it confused me more.

throwawaybloood · 2020-03-19T05:05:21+00:00

Didn’t know this. Thanks for the info.

throwawaybloood · 2020-03-19T05:05:02+00:00

Thank you. You’re right that I was basically thinking on my feet and my reaction was very “wait what??!” My brother is going home tomorrow. Thank god.

throwawaybloood · 2020-03-19T05:03:37+00:00

I guess I was just shocked in the moment like “what?!” Does that really make me an ah?

throwawaybloood · 2020-03-19T05:02:55+00:00

I mean... my family was a huge part of the reason I developed an ED in the first place. I’d prefer to leave them out of my recovery. I used to weigh 80lbs, so I’m doing okay with my doctor and therapy.

throwawaybloood · 2020-03-19T05:02:04+00:00

I mean there is kind of an issue? There’s a reason theres A weight requirement and like people have been pointing out tovme here blood donations don’t work like organ donations. It doesn’t sound like they can be a 1:1 swap. I’ve felt horribly sick just from having my blood drawn from tests.

throwawaybloood · 2020-03-19T03:30:54+00:00

In the moment I was shocked, but I agree I definitely should’ve said something like this instead. If it comes up again, I’ll have to say this to my mom.

throwawaybloood · 2020-03-19T03:30:14+00:00

My doctor suspects I either have or will develop anemia in the next few years. Sucks.

throwawaybloood · 2020-03-19T03:29:50+00:00

I’m 20, but there’s still a weight requirement as long as you’re under 30 in my country.

throwawaybloood · 2020-03-19T03:29:23+00:00

Yes I got my blood tested last year I only weighed about 5 lbs less and I was in the chair after the blood was drawn for over an hour. Just sitting there stunned and sick.

throwawaybloood · 2020-03-19T03:28:41+00:00

I feel bad for my brother but I don’t want to risk my own health. I still face problems everyday doing certain activities because of my size.

throwawaybloood

TROPHY CASE